2. pc-audio
  3. 1423885337

As good as CD playback

My question is... Can a Exterior NAS HD with a fast router and a laptop with ssd, JRiver and Fidelizer optimization program using USB out to a USB asynchronous Dac (Schiit Bifrost) have as good of sound as my transport playing CD's into the same DAC ? Whew, forgive the run on sentence.

I'm very happy with the sound I'm getting with my transport to DAC SQ. I know there are music servers that are better than a laptop, but I am very limited in being computer savvy. I want to keep it simple and affordable.

I've got the opportunity to get 6,000 albums give to me. All uncompressed formats. A lot of DSD files also. I can add a DSD reader to my DAC in the future.

Anyway... can CD quality playback be accomplished with the latest greatest NAS, Laptop with SSD and a asynchronous DAC. Thanks in advance.
128x128zmanastronomy

Showing 1 response by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
You experience with USB will depend entirely on the design of the USB interface, either in the DAC or the USB converter. Most USB implementations are poor, so a good transport ($1K+) will usually beat it.

There are exceptions though that beat the vast majority of transports. The experience of the designer is key. If they have done multiple custom USB designs, this is usually an indicator.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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